Phygelius rec. 'Devil's Tears'

Planting Requirements and Ideal Conditions

• Light Requirements: Phygelius 'Devil’s Tears' thrives in full sun to partial shade. Full sun produces the best flowering, while partial shade helps in hotter climates to protect foliage from stress.

• Soil Preferences: Prefers fertile, well-drained soil with a good mix of organic matter. It tolerates sandy or loamy soil but will struggle in heavy clay or waterlogged areas unless improved with compost or grit.

• Moisture Needs: Needs consistent moisture during the growing season, especially when young or during dry spells. Avoid overly wet conditions around the crown to prevent rot.

• Planting Time: Plant in spring or early autumn, ensuring roots have time to establish before summer heat or winter cold. Container-grown plants can be installed any time of year if soil conditions are suitable.

• Spacing: Space plants 24 to 36 inches apart to allow for their mature spread and airflow around the foliage, which helps prevent mildew.

• Sheltered Position: Best grown in a sheltered, sunny border, protected from strong wind. South- or west-facing sites near fences or walls are ideal for both warmth and support.

Seasonal Care and Maintenance

• Watering: Water regularly and deeply to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and cool the soil.

• Feeding: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 3–4 weeks throughout spring and summer. Alternatively, apply a slow-release fertilizer in early spring.

• Mulching: Mulch annually in spring with compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil quality, retain moisture, and suppress weeds.

• Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers regularly to extend the blooming season and prevent self-seeding. Cut back old or damaged stems in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh, vigorous growth.

• Winter Protection: Hardy in USDA Zones 7–10 (UK H4–H5). In colder areas or poorly drained soils, provide winter mulch or fleece over the crown, especially during hard frosts.

• Pests and Diseases: Generally pest-free. May occasionally attract aphids or spider mites—treat with insecticidal soap if necessary. Ensure good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew.

• Propagation: Can be propagated by division or softwood cuttings in spring or early summer. It may self-seed in mild areas, though less aggressively than some species.

Ornamental Features and Garden Uses

• Flowers: Produces showy, pendulous tubular flowers in crimson-red with contrasting yellow throats, resembling dripping tears—hence the name. Blooms from early summer through early autumn.

• Foliage: Features narrow, semi-evergreen, deep green leaves with a slightly toothed edge. Foliage forms a bushy base, offering good contrast to the vivid flower spikes.

• Size and Habit: Grows to approximately 3 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide, forming a semi-upright clump. It has a bushier, more upright habit than other trailing Phygelius types.

• Pollinator Friendly: Loved by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The tubular shape and bright colours make it especially appealing to nectar-feeding insects and birds.

• Garden Design Uses: Ideal for mixed borders, wildlife gardens, cottage gardens, or as a tropical-style focal plant. Adds long-season interest and vibrant colour to sunny planting schemes.

• Container Suitability: Can be grown in large pots or planters in sunny, sheltered locations. Ensure good drainage and regular watering. Move containers to a frost-free spot if winter protection is needed.

• Companion Plants: Combines well with salvia, penstemon, crocosmia, gaura, and ornamental grasses for a layered and dynamic planting scheme.

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

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